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last mo.

Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger Rejects UNC Buzz and Says He’s Staying

A firm message combined with a long-term deal makes a jump to North Carolina unlikely.

Iowa State Cyclones coach TJ Otzelberger watches game play during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
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Mar 22, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger speaks during the postgame press conference after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger, speaking to reporters Wednesday in Chicago, said reports linking him to other jobs are not true and that he remains the Cyclones’ coach.
  • Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard reinforced the stance on X, telling fans that Otzelberger is not going anywhere and will be the school’s coach for a long time.
  • Otzelberger’s contract runs through the 2031–32 season at about $4 million per year and includes a $4 million buyout if he leaves, with local reporting noting that figure could drop if the AD departs.
  • As North Carolina’s search moves on after firing Hubert Davis, Jeff Goodman reported Thursday that Otzelberger is not in the Tar Heels’ active mix.
  • With the Sweet 16 set for Friday at the United Center against Tennessee, Otzelberger said guard Joshua Jefferson is a game-time decision because of a sprained ankle.